The Canada Border Services Agency is advising travelers to plan border crossings to avoid delays during the U.S. Memorial Day weekend, particularly since they anticipate the rising traffic trends this year will continue this weekend.

In anticipation of higher traffic volumes and limits to the volume of traffic that can be processed, travelers are advised to consider the potential for delays for the following dates and times:

• at the Cornwall port of entry, across the river from Massena, peak traffic volumes are anticipated to be between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on May 27 and between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on May 28, when border wait times may exceed 45 minutes. Travelers using the Seaway International Bridge into Cornwall may also experience delays due to construction on the bridge.

• at the Prescott port of entry, across from Ogdensburg, travelers should note that due to construction at the port of entry and on the bridge, traffic volume capacity has been reduced with only two primary inspection lanes in operation.

• at the Lansdowne port of entry, across the St. Lawrence from Alexandria Bay, peak traffic volumes are anticipated between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on May 27 and between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on May 28, when border wait times may exceed 45 minutes.

Peak traffic volume information and anticipated border wait times are based on historical data. The CBSA anticipates an increase in traffic this weekend from previous years based on traffic volume trends to date in 2011. The forecasted traffic volumes may vary from one port of entry to another depending on numerous factors, including weather conditions.

For more information on border wait times and for instructions on how to receive Twitter messages for border wait times at some ports of entry, visit the CBSA Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca. You can also visit the Government of Canada Wireless Portal through a Web-enabled mobile device at www.wap.gc.ca.

To facilitate their entry into Canada, travelers can follow these steps:

Wait times at border crossings may have increased recently as more travelers take advantage of the higher Canadian dollar to travel to the United States. The CBSA has added resources to process travelers as efficiently as possible; however, some delays due to volume may occur.

Try to plan your border crossing to avoid arriving at the border at peak times. In general, peak times tend to be one and a half hours before and after the lunch hour, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays, and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at most ports of entry.

If you are traveling with a larger group or on a shopping bus, be patient as it will take more time because CBSA officers must process all travelers.

Have proper identification. Make sure you are carrying proper identification for yourself and any children traveling with you in the vehicle. A passport is not mandatory for entry into Canada, but it is a preferable piece of identification. If you are a Canadian or American citizen or a permanent resident of either country, other acceptable identification includes an enhanced driver’s license, a birth certificate with accompanying photo ID such as a regular driver’s license, a permanent resident or green card, a citizenship card or citizenship or naturalization certificate, or a certificate of Indian Status.

Keep in mind that the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is now in effect. This is a U.S. law requiring all travelers to the United States to present a valid passport or other approved secure document.

More information is available by visiting the CBSA Web site at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/menu-eng.html.